School-based Mental Health Therapist

Company Description

The City of Rockville is a vibrant and diverse community located adjacent to Washington, D.C., serving as the county seat of Montgomery County, Maryland. Known for its rich history and citizen-focused public service, Rockville is home to 67,000 residents across 20,000 households and boasts one of the most diverse populations in the world. The city is also an economic hub, hosting nearly 80,000 jobs within its borders, including prominent biomedical and technology companies. Rockville prides itself on fostering a sense of community and belonging, embodying the warmth and familiarity of a "hometown." It is a dynamic and inclusive city that values connectivity and sustainable living.

Role Description

The Youth and Family Therapist will provide school and community-based mental health services to children and their families within the City of Rockville. The counselor will work in specifically assigned City of Rockville schools and will be responsible for providing free counseling services to those who are uninsured, under-insured, or having additional barriers to accessing therapy. Their primary population will be working elementary school aged students and potentially some middle schoolers. 

The therapist will be expected to collaborate with interconnected entities such as the schools (school counselors, teachers, etc), DHHS (Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services), families, outside organizations, and community partners in order to provide excellent mental health services to children/students in need. The therapist will work with the school and other partners to ensure they are receiving referrals.The Therapist will mainly conduct individual sessions, though family therapy sessions can also be held as appropriate.  

Within this role, the Therapist will also be responsible for creating, leading, and implementing group therapy or psychoeducational groups related to relevant topics for the students and school dynamics.   

In addition to providing mental health services, the Therapist will also perform administrative functions related to conducting assessments, tracking client goals and progress, managing their caseload of 15 -18 client, completing reports, developing groups and programs, outreach, and other duties as specified by their Supervisor, the Community Services Manager.  

This is a temporary contract position (~ 30 hours/week), which could potentially become a permanent part-time or full-time position, pending funding availability. 

The therapist will be able to make their own schedule as it relates to seeing clients, though it must fall within school time hours. 

Qualifications

•  Screens and coordinates all SCYS referrals from their specific Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) on behalf of students in need of mental health counseling.

•  Communicates with various entities related to student’s care (parents/family, teachers, counselors, etc)

•  Adheres to all the professional guidelines as it relates to ethics, confidentiality, mandated reporting, etc.

•  Responsible for tracking or assessing the ongoing availability of local mental health care providers in Montgomery County that can serve those who are ineligible for services (including those insured privately & through Medical Assistance) or clients should their caseload become full

•  Makes referrals to various public or private agencies for therapy as well as other needed social services (case management, food access, clothing, etc.)

•  Maintains good working relationships with other City staff, school personnel, private and nonprofit organizations, County partners, and more

•  Creates and submits monthly and quarterly reports detailing outreach and marketing activities.

• Collaborates with other existing Community Services Division (CSD) programs to support program coordinators in providing things like psychoeducation, therapeutic recreation, and groups to the students receiving services.

•The applicant must have a Master’s degree and be a Maryland licensed counselor, psychologist, social worker, or closely related field from an accredited university.

• Must successfully clear a CPS fingerprinting background check

• Must possess a driver’s license

Desired Qualifications/Skills (not required):

· There is a high desire for someone who is bilingual in English and Spanish (additional funding may be available)

· Experience working in schools or with Montgomery County DHHS (Department of Health and Human Services)

· 2-3 years of experience working in therapeutic settings, schools, and/or community-based services

To apply click here: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/rockville/jobs/5283824/youth-and-family-counselor-specialist